West Indies’ Road to the 2012 T20 World Cup Glory

The 2012 ICC T20 World Cup, held in Sri Lanka, marked a historic moment for the West Indies cricket team as they clinched their first T20 World Cup title. The tournament was a showcase of their explosive talent and resilience. Let’s take a closer look at their journey from the group stages to the final, highlighting the key players who contributed to their success.

Group Stage Games

Match 1: West Indies vs. Australia

The West Indies kicked off their campaign against Australia in Colombo. Batting first, the West Indies posted a challenging total of 191/8, with Chris Gayle top-scoring with 54 runs off 33 balls. However, rain interrupted the match, and Australia set a revised target of 83 runs in 9.1 overs under the Duckworth-Lewis method, achieving it comfortably, scoring 100/1 in 9.1 overs. Despite the loss, the West Indies showed their batting prowess.

Match 2: West Indies vs. Ireland

In their second group match, the West Indies faced Ireland, also in Colombo. The match was affected by rain, leading to a tied game. However, Ireland batted first and posted 129/6 in 19 overs before the game was completely called off due to rain.

Super Eight Stage Games

Match 1: West Indies vs. England

The Super Eight stage began with a thrilling encounter against England. The West Indies batted first and put up a formidable total of 179/5, thanks to Johnson Charles’ 84 off 56 balls and Chris Gayle’s 58 off 35 balls. England, in response, fell short by 15 runs, scoring 164/4 in their 20 overs. Samuel Badree’s tight bowling was instrumental in restricting the English side.

Match 2: West Indies vs. Sri Lanka

In their second Super Eight match, the West Indies faced hosts Sri Lanka in Pallekele. Batting first, the West Indies struggled to 129/5 in their 20 overs, with Marlon Samuels scoring a crucial 50 off 35 balls. Sri Lanka chased down the target with ease, reaching 130/1 in 15.2 overs. This loss put pressure on the West Indies to win their final Super Eight match to progress to the semifinals.

Match 3: West Indies vs. New Zealand

The decider match against New Zealand was a nail-biting affair. The West Indies posted a modest total of 139/9, with Chris Gayle scoring 30 off 14 balls. New Zealand matched this total, ending their innings at 139/7, forcing the game into a Super Over. In the Super Over, New Zealand scored 17 runs, which West Indies chased down with one ball to spare and secured a spot in the semifinals.

Knockout Stage Games

Semifinal: West Indies vs. Australia

The semifinal clash against Australia in Colombo was a dominant performance by the West Indies. Batting first, they posted an imposing total of 205/4, with Chris Gayle blasting an unbeaten 75 off 41 balls. Kieron Pollard added a quickfire 38 off 15 balls. Australia, in response, crumbled under the pressure and were bowled out for 131 in 16.4 overs. Ravi Rampaul’s 3/16 and Samuel Badree’s 2/27 played crucial roles in their emphatic 74-run victory.

Final: West Indies vs. Sri Lanka

The grand finale in Colombo saw the West Indies face off against Sri Lanka. Batting first, the West Indies struggled initially, but Marlon Samuels played a sensational innings, scoring 78 off 56 balls, helping his team post a competitive total of 137/6. In response, Sri Lanka could only manage 101 all out in 18.4 overs, with Sunil Narine’s 3/9 and Daren Sammy’s 2/6 dismantling the Sri Lankan batting line-up. The West Indies won by 36 runs, clinching their first T20 World Cup title.

Key Performers

Batting Stars

• Chris Gayle: The cornerstone of the West Indies’ batting, with crucial contributions throughout the tournament.
• Marlon Samuels: His match-winning innings in the final was instrumental in their victory. He was also the top-scorer for the West Indies in the competition, with 230 runs in seven matches.
• Johnson Charles: Played a vital role in the Super Eight match against England with a brilliant 84.

Bowling Heroes

• Sunil Narine: He was the top wicket-taker for West Indies, taking nine wickets in seven matches.
• Ravi Rampaul: Delivered crucial breakthroughs, particularly in the semifinal against Australia.
• Samuel Badree: Provided key wickets and maintained tight control in the powerplays.

The West Indies’ 2012 T20 World Cup triumph was a testament to their explosive talent and never-say-die attitude. Their journey to glory, marked by thrilling matches and standout performances, remains one of the most memorable chapters in T20 cricket history.